2D barcodes seem destined to play a significant role as the produce industry moves to comply with the digital traceability demands of FSMA 204, and Yakima, Wash.-based Kwik Lok says it’s positioned to help suppliers who use its closure labels adopt those barcodes quickly and easily.
2D barcodes transform a package into a digital data carrier, enabling GTIN, lot and date information to be captured in a single scan and helping streamline item-level traceability efforts that support FSMA 204 compliance, says Karen Reed, Kwik Lok’s global director of marketing and communications.
“A 2D barcode is only as good as the surface it’s printed on,” Reed says. “Kwik Lok closure labels provide the stability needed to achieve the barcode quality and scan reliability GS1 standards demand.”
The potato industry in the Pacific Northwest is a big part of Kwik Lok’s business, but the company serves produce suppliers worldwide.
“Customers can choose to use one bag across multiple varieties and let the closure label do the customization,” she says. “The result is less complexity, better economies of scale and greater flexibility to adapt products, promotions and traceability information without redesigning the bag.”
Kwik Lok has closing machines, choice of inline or preprinted labels and printers that together provide an integrated closing and printing solution, Reed says.
If a supplier already has a Kwik Lok closing machine, a Kwik Lok team member can help determine what additional line elements they need to add labels with 2D barcodes, she says. They may not need to purchase a new machine but will need to add the other system elements.
Reed invites customers to talk to a Kwik Lok sales team member to audit their system to see what they are currently running and develop a plan to make the changes needed to add 2D barcodes on labels.
Once a packer has an internal data management system in place, 2D barcodes can be scanned by consumers and provide additional information the grower or retailer might want to share, she says.
That can include nutrition facts, recipes, cross-promotions or, in the case of EarthFresh, a Canadian potato grower-shipper, videos of a chef demonstrating uses for its numerous varieties.
“The opportunity isn’t just adopting a new barcode, it’s making the package work harder,” Reed says. “By leveraging the closure label for variety identification, traceability and consumer engagement, suppliers can simplify packaging operations while increasing flexibility.”
The FSMA 204 compliance deadline may not be until 2028, but the transition is already underway.
“Retailers worldwide are preparing their systems for GS1-compliant 2D barcodes, and many suppliers are beginning the process to transition to align with future supply chain and point-of-sale requirements,” Reed says.
